'What will happen to my venture capital trust when I pass away?'

Every week we help you with your money problems
Samm GallowayMoney Expert

Samantha specialises in personal taxation and trusts. She enjoys being able to demystify these complex areas.

An older couple looks at their children and grandchildren
Set as preferred source

I’m considering investing money into a venture capital trust (VCT). 

I’m aware that I can then claim the 30% income tax rebate. 

But if I die within five years and my wife inherits the VCT, would my estate be liable to repay the income tax rebate and would my wife have the shares passed to her intact?

A Which? Money member

'Your beneficiaries will inherit a trio of tax perks'

Samm Galloway, Which? money expert, says…

Good news: the income tax relief wouldn’t be repayable in this scenario. 

Any deferred capital gains will also be extinguished, so your wife would inherit the venture capital trust at the value on the date of death. 

VCTs are exempt from capital gains tax on disposals during lifetime or on death.

VCTs are typically very high-risk investments, where losses could eclipse tax savings

And as it would be your wife inheriting, this would be an exempt transfer for inheritance tax too.

Other readers should be aware that VCTs are typically very high-risk investments, where losses could eclipse tax savings.

Which? Money 1-to-1 guidance

Our team of money experts can answer your questions big and small, on topics from pensions to tax and savings to scams.

They're impartial so they don’t give regulated financial advice or recommend particular products or providers – they’re here to support you and to help you make more confident financial decisions in these areas and more: 

Which? Money members and their immediate family get unlimited access to 1-to-1 guidance sessions.

If you're a Which? Money member, you can book an appointment online. If you're not, you can find out more about membership.

Get 1-to-1 money guidance

Impartial investing guidance

Our money guidance team can’t tell you what to invest in – but they can explain how to get started and make your own well-informed decisions. Unlimited access to them via phone is included in the Which? Money subscription.

Find out more